Keene Valley, NY – The Mountaineer, an iconic local outfitter, recently partnered with Patagonia to support educational and research efforts this summer atop the highest peaks through a grant to the Adirondack High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program. The grant will enable the program to educate hikers about the fragile nature of the alpine vegetation and conduct research on the populations of rare, threatened and endangered plant species.
“As our populations centers continue to grow becoming more frantic, the electronic age increasingly addicts us to gadgets and machines, and climate change challenges our environment, our Adirondack wilderness becomes more and more precious. As hiker usage in our high peaks increase the Summit Steward program becomes more and more important in protecting our fragile alpine environments. We are very lucky to have Patagonia as a partner who has the resources, understanding and commitment to appreciate just how important this program is to the Adirondacks. Thank you Patagonia and thank you Summit Stewards!” says Vinny McClelland.
“We are so grateful for the support of Patagonia and The Mountaineer” says Kayla White, ADK Summit Steward Coordinator. “Thanks to this assistance, not only will Summit Stewards be able to educate the public, but they will also be able to contribute to our understanding of the conditions of the alpine ecosystem as a whole.”
The Summit Steward program is a partnership of ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club), the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The program is in its 29th season of protecting New York’s alpine zone through education, trail work, and research. Since 1989, stewards have educated over 478,000 hikers atop New York’s highest peaks.
Those interested in supporting the work of the Summit Stewards can donate directly to the program through www.adk.org or to the 507 Fund for Summit Stewardship at www.507fund.org.
About ADK
ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for New York State’s wild lands and waters while also teaching people how to enjoy natural places responsibly. Since 1922, the organization has offered people opportunities to stay and play in as well as protect, discover, and explore the outdoors. Today, ADK has 30,000 members in 27 chapters statewide and is served by a professional, year-round staff. The organization is recognized as a vital voice in the commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical outdoor recreation in New York State. For more information on membership or making a difference, head to ADK.org or follow ADK on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
Kayla White, ADK Summit Steward Coordinator, 518-523-3480
Vinny McClelland, The Mountaineer, 518-576-2281
Julia Goren, ADK Education Director, 518-523-3480
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